GARETH THOMAS

Gareth Thomas CBE is a Welsh former professional rugby player and Ironman athlete. Gareth came out as gay in 2009, making him the first openly gay professional rugby union player. In an interview with the BBC, Thomas talked about how he hoped that his coming out would mean that in the future, young gay rugby players would be able to come out and be accepted as a "talented gay rugby player".

Since coming out, Gareth has become a vocal supporter of the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty against Children) and ChildLine, a telephone counselling service operated by the NSPCC for children and young people. In an interview, he commented, "I don't know if my life is going to be easier because I'm out, but if it helps someone else, if it makes one young lad pick up the phone to ChildLine, then it will have been worth it".

In 2019, Gareth announced he is HIV positive with an undetectable status (meaning he is not infectious). He felt the need to make the announcement as a journalist had found out his status and told Gareth’s parents. Following the announcement, Gareth pledged to break the stigma around HIV and completed the Ironman Triathlon the day, proving people with HIV can live healthy and fit lives. He also released a documentary called “Gareth Thomas: HIV and Me” which aired on BBC in 2019.

Gareth Thomas is a Certified Proud Icon because he has the courage to break the stigma which surrounds the LGBTQ+ communtiy and continues to break the mould today.